June 5, 2008 issue
Billy Ralph Winkler Retires After 28 Years as Watauga High School Band Director
Story by Garrett Simmons
“That’s when I decided what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Billy Ralph Winkler, sitting in the Watauga High School band room amongst rows of instruments and stacks of sheet music. The year was 1967 during Winkler’s junior year of high school. The building was still brand new at that point, and Winkler was discussing his future plans with his high school guidance counselor.
“I was sitting there, thinking to myself, what do I want to do for the rest of my life,” said Winkler. “I looked up at Otis Strother, the band director at the time, and said, ‘That’s it.’”
Winkler’s decision wasn’t completely spontaneous. At that point he had been playing trumpet in the school band since he was in sixth grade at Appalachian Elementary School that was located where the parking deck behind ASU’s Belk Library now stands.
Winkler also played rhythm guitar, and said he was convinced he would one day catapult to rock’n roll stardom. “I just knew I was going to be the next big rock’n roll sensation,” he said. Winkler played in a band with Len Hagaman, now sheriff of Watauga County. “It was probably a good thing we never made it as a band,” said Winkler. “Rock’n roll was much better off without us.”
After deciding that he was better suited to be a band director, Winkler enrolled at ASU to study music education. There he met Dr. Charles Isley, the university band director, and a man who would continue to guide Winkler throughout his career. Winkler described Isley as “one of the finest persons and dedicated musicians I have ever met. He knows more music than I could ever hope to know, yet still continues to learn new pieces. He has been a huge influence.”
During his final year at ASU, Winkler completed his student teaching at Lenoir High School that at the time was renowned for its band program. “I experienced the Lenoir music program during its last years of greatness,” said Winkler. “To be a part of it was very inspiring. It was a wonderful time of my life.”
After graduating from Appalachian State, Winkler took his first job as band director in Davie County, southwest of Winston-Salem. He kept the position for “five great years,” but when a position opened up at Watauga High School in ‘78, Winkler jumped at the opportunity to move back home. “I was never one of those people who grew up in Boone and just couldn’t wait to get out,” he said. “I always knew it was the best place on earth.”
The position Winkler filled was that of Dr. Isley, who after retiring from ASU, had continued to work as band director at the high school. At first Winkler worked part time, splitting his time between elementary schools in Bethel and Cove Creek and Watauga High School. “I knew when I left my position in Davie County there would be some difficulty, but I was just happy to be here,” he said.
In 1980, Winkler became the full-time band director at Watauga High School where he remained for 28 years. During that time, his early decision to become a band director proved to be one of his best. “I have loved every day I have taught in this room,” he said.
Winkler said his love of music has never diminished despite playing certain pieces of music each year. “To see my students make the musical discoveries that I made so many years ago has been inspiring,” he said. “There is a moment when you’re working on a challenging piece of music when it finally clicks, and it’s no longer just notes on a page, but something much bigger. Those moments are the most satisfying part of my job.”
They are also what makes leaving bittersweet, said Winkler. “Selfishly, I want to keep coming into this classroom every day until they have to carry me out,” he said. “But inevitably, the day comes when you just know it’s time. For me, I have a grandmother, parents and grandchildren who I don’t get to see often enough.”
Winkler’s career in music is not over, however. He is once again following in the footsteps of his mentor, taking over Dr. Isley’s position as director of the Watauga County Community Band. They both have been members of the band since its formation in 1986.
Currently, the Watauga County Board of Education is reviewing applications for a new band director, and is expected to announce its decision in the near future.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
